professional help on best way forward

[Pace]

Hey all,

I started working at my current company as a basic teccie at 17 You know the monkey that fix's the printer when the IO lets it run out of paper

well anyway after a while they had me make a website which got me into html, after a while I started with very basic php applications that can send an email.

So after playing and playing amongst my mundane tasks someone decides to send me on a course on sql server. so I do the course and now our current dba, who is currently way passed retirement is soon to be leaving, im now 21 and they want me to take his role. The current database is written in access with 30+ users. Ouch, so we now have sql server and are curretnly in the process of getting the sql backend up while still retaining access as a front end. I think forums like this are a great place to learn but really I would love to go back to college and do classes in some hard core programming. I keep reading all these buzz words like API and ActiveX and what not and whereby I grasp their basic concepts I dont quite feel that I know what I should. I keep looking and reading articles and I have bought a book on vb.net too as I really like the syntax.

Man im rambling ill get to the point. I work full time and I know sql server well, though my knowledge of VB and programming in general is pretty pants. I was wondering what you reccommend I do? Learn and read right? well I know that, what more im looking for is areas that I should concentrate on to get me a solid foundation of know how on which I can build on. Obviously I need to get to grips with access, then I would like to maybe move to .Net once I am comfortable. Any help would be immensely appreciated. Basically im looking for someone who has been where I am years ago and can help push me so I can soldier on for a bit before returning the favour in years to come.

Best Regards,

Pace

[szlamany]

Here in the US there are many training centers for learning specific aspects of new technology. I wouldn't think going back to college would give you the specifics you need.

I would look into what is available in the area for VB.Net training. No reason to stumble around the basic stuff when you can get the knowledge you need to rise above that easily.

[DeadEyes]

If your going to use Sql Server your going to want to develop a frontend for it, so go to college at night and get the company to pay for it.

[si_the_geek]

I'm just basically going to agree with szlamany and DeadEyes said, as their advice here is sound.


Like DeadEyes said, you should have a proper front-end for SQL Server. Access is capable to a degree, but development times are much longer, and you have a heavily reduced feature set. There is also the issue that Access databases will always find a way of getting corrupted, which means that you will have to reset it (no good if you aren't around when it happens).


I don't recommend going back to college, as I did 6 years of college/University courses, and have honestly learnt far more relevant/useful information from a few one week courses (and much much more from websites, particularly this one!)


VB.net is a good idea, as Microsoft are commited to it for a good few years (VB6 has basically expired, so it's best if you don't start learning it!).

It would be best to get a good grounding from somebody who knows what they are doing, so check out the VB.Net courses near you, and make sure the company pays - even thought you might enjoy it, they will be getting the benefit! After the course you can expand your knowledge with the .Net help, and online.

[szlamany]

I'm going to agree with SI and add a bit more here...

From my conversations with ACCESS programmers that have made the switch to VB.Net - they are more able to "rapidly" develop a user interface than using VB6...

Which is a good path for an ACCESS person to go...

[Pace]

wow that really is some sound advice, thanks

[mendhak]

Do one certification, the 70-229 I believe, you'll be an MCP.

Next, what the others said. I just had to add the bit about the certification though.

[RobDog888]

Or if you have more experience with SQL Administration, like backups, installations, etc, you could take 70-228.
70-229 is Database Design, heavy on table relation design, SPs, SQL Statements, and cursors.

[dglienna]

If your going to use Sql Server your going to want to develop a frontend for it, so go to college at night and get the company to pay for it.

Exactly. That way you can request more money, and get it, and if not you can get hired elsewhere. Maybe not this year, but somewhere down the line.

[Pino]

Hey Pace,

I'm from manchester to (assuming you mean the one in the Uk )

I'm currently at college studying (Loreto College dont know if you know of it) , Maths Physics Computing and Pe. Believe me there is no point in going to college to do a course it is very very basic.

Your best bet is to really get to grips with the language yourself i taught myself VB and using forums such as this one helped so much.

Now then i'mnot saying dont go and study because any qualification you can get your hands on is a good one, but maybe a specialist center would be best.

Anyhows let us know how things go

edit - after reading some posts just like to sya that college over here in the Uk is very differant from the US (I think) i've allways looked at your colleges more like our universities.